Drake is to get the key to the city on Friday.
Mayor John Tory is to present the key to the musician outside of Ricoh Coliseum. It is part of the NBA All Star game and festivities.
Tory announced via Twitter that the internationally famous rapper is receiving the key.
“The key to the city [is] the highest honour we can give,” Tory says in a video clip on Twitter. “And so when we give out a key to the city, we want it to be something really special”.
Tomorrow I’ll give out the Key to the City. This is why. @Drakehttps://t.co/dfdIVQW3yk
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 11, 2016
“Drake is Toronto’s biggest champion: in his music, his mentorship of local talent and his presence on the world stage. He makes people feel good about themselves and their city, and he has drawn the eyes of the world to Toronto. He deserves our city’s recognition and our pride and I’m honoured to give him the Key to the City”, Tory said in a statement from the City of Toronto.
Drake will be joining the ranks of entertainers, including Celine Dion and Mike Myers, who also received the honour.
Aubrey “Drake” Graham was born in Toronto. He often gives shoutouts to Toronto in his songs and his next album is titled “Views from the 6”. Drake is also global ambassador for the Raptors.
Tory also sent out a series of tweets about his conversation with Drake.
Toronto must tell its stories. We must celebrate our talent & harness it for change. This isn’t swagger. It is key. pic.twitter.com/GZZXD0cg0r
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 11, 2016
This is a man who could live anywhere, but calls Toronto home. He wants us to be proud of him. And we are. I am.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 11, 2016
This is a man who has achieved wild success, by any standard. And more than anything, he wants great things for Toronto.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 11, 2016
He talked about his desire to build our music scene, to inspire youth and help address the social issues felt across Toronto.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 11, 2016
He talked about wanting to contribute & for the city to see him as more than just a name – but a force of good.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 11, 2016
In our conversations, he told me how he feels about Toronto. He told me what it means to him to be from here, and the role he wants to play.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 11, 2016
I knew his name, I knew his face & I knew his music. And we wanted the chance to get to know one another, and talk about the city we love.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 11, 2016
I was lucky recently to spend time with a man who is well known in our city and around the world.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 11, 2016
Going to try a twitter essay. Start it from the bottom.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 11, 2016
